Heavy losses, production and business establishments struggle after two historic floods - Cao Bang Electronic Newspaper

Two consecutive storms within just over a week caused heavy damage to hundreds of business households, enterprises, and cooperatives in the area. The water has receded, but the traces of natural disasters are still imprinted on fields, residential areas, production and business establishments. After "storm on storm", "flood on flood", many enterprises, cooperatives, and business households are exhausted, lost everything, and hope for support policies to soon be available to help them recover after days of struggling to cope with storms and floods.

The entire production area of ​​Truong Anh Agricultural Cooperative was completely damaged after storm No. 11.

In the middle of the central suburbs, Truong Anh Agricultural Cooperative (Da Quan residential group, Thuc Phan ward) used to be one of Cao Bang's pioneering models in developing clean agriculture associated with experiential tourism , aiming for green and sustainable values. In recent years, the unit has focused on investing in modern equipment, machinery, and technology, building products according to VietGap and Ocop standards, which are favored by many customers, bringing income and jobs to many local workers. However, after only two storms No. 10 and 11, the entire farm area that was once covered in pink flowers and lush green trees is now just a desolate area, with warped and collapsed steel frames, tattered plastic covers covered with withered tree trunks, and scattered plant pots.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Director of Truong Anh Agricultural Cooperative, said that the rising water level destroyed everything that had been built for many years, leaving her with nothing. The entire main production area of ​​the Cooperative was 5,500 m², and after storm No. 10, about 70% of it collapsed. Then, under the impact of storm No. 11, the entire greenhouse system collapsed, the warehouse and crops were swept away, the irrigation system, electricity and water, materials, fertilizers, machinery and equipment... were completely damaged, with a total loss of more than 2.2 billion VND.

The efforts accumulated over many years were considered to be in vain. Looking at the ruins, Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Director of the Cooperative, choked up: After investing all our capital, we no longer have enough strength to restore production, the bank debt is still there, and the working capital is exhausted. If we want to return the land and stop production, we do not have enough manpower to dismantle and clean up. Now we only hope that the authorities and banks will create favorable conditions to support preferential loans, debt extension, tax reduction and tax deferral. What is needed most now is resources.

After the floodwaters receded, mud covered many houses and businesses in Thuc Phan ward.

Not only Truong Anh Agricultural Cooperative, many production, business and small retail establishments also suffered similar consequences. Toc Coffee Shop in Kim Dong walking street, a familiar stop for tourists, was also deeply submerged in water for many days. Tables, chairs, electrical equipment and utensils were all damaged. Ms. Chu Thi Thao, the shop owner, shared: Water flooded in, we only had time to run, not time to unload. After storm No. 10, we had not yet had time to fix it, then storm No. 11 hit again, now there is nothing left. Currently, we have temporarily suspended business activities to focus on overcoming the severe consequences. But there is a lot of mud in front and behind, we also hope that the authorities will support us to clean up soon so that we can continue to do business and recover after the storm.

Two historic storms with consecutive flood levels exceeding the peak left extremely heavy damage, more than 7,500 houses were affected by deep flooding, landslides; more than 5,000 hectares of rice and crops in the harvest period were submerged and swept away in floodwaters, crops were lost, production activities were stagnant, making recovery very difficult. While old wounds have not yet healed, hundreds of production and business households have to bear new wounds. The water has receded, but many people are still shocked by what remains, just mud, accumulated waste and lost gaps. Many people had to borrow money to invest, now only moldy, damaged houses with scattered furniture remain.

Mr. Tran Manh Hoan, owner of Cao Bang Wedding House Studio, Hoang Van Thu Street, Thuc Phan Ward, shared: It is true that difficulties pile up on difficulties. The entire house, camera equipment, lighting, and props in my studio are all damaged. Currently, I have to announce that the studio is closed indefinitely, and contracts with customers have also been postponed. I am really sad, taking advantage of the sunny days to clean up and repair. While there is life, there is hope, I have to start over, even if it is slower, but I still have a career and faith.

More than ever, timely attention and support in terms of material, spiritual and policy for cooperatives, enterprises and business households at this time is extremely necessary, not only to help them recover from heavy losses, but also to become an important driving force for recovery, production reconstruction, livelihood stabilization, creating a foundation for sustainable economic recovery and development.

La Nga - Kim Dung

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/ton-that-nang-ne-cac-co-so-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-gang-guong-sau-hai-tran-lu-lich-su-3181224.html